Oh no I'm not busting out some Aretha Franklin....This is something about Finland I had no idea about until very recently.
Whenever you see a Finnish flag up in the air - it's usually a sign of a holiday or celebration. Now by celebration, I don't mean someone's Sweet 16th birthday, but a day to celebrate a particular artist or poet (etc) in Finland but the stores are not closed. Holidays are holidays and in my books - defined as a day to stay home and reflect, spend time with family, and in general nothing is open. The day before the holiday and after it as well, is always a pain in the neck at the grocery store!!
Now what happens if the flag is raised but only half-way? In Canada, that typically meant Remembrance Day, Battle of the Atlantic - remembering soldiers /Military service (wo)men who have died while in the line of duty.
For awhile, The Chronicle Herald, Halifax's daily newspaper had a small photo near the heading with the Canadian flag raised at half mast whenever a soldier died overseas (particularly in Afghanistan). Well, on Parliament Hill, that rang true as well - they'd lower the flag and it would be out of respect for the soldier(s) who have lost their lives (many of them are quite young as well) trying to protect others.
For some reason, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, decided it was too depressing and too much of a reminder to Canadians, that yes, we're constantly sending troops overseas and yes, they're dying left-right and center. It's a shame and highlights the fact that HE is not the one on the receiving end of a death in the family who was proud of their country to serve overseas. So why bother raising a flag? The Chronicle Herald (and I'm sure other newspapers) continued to print the flag at half mast when a soldier died - and I am grateful there is some sort of recognition for those that are brave enough to put their life at risk for others to live.
And furthermore, why wouldn't a PM be interested in showing his support & sympathy?
Oh right, because he's the one sending the troops over.
Well, in Finland - the flag is at half mast - not necessarily for soldiers or politicians or "super important people". A couple weeks ago, I noticed the flag was at half mast and I was worried because I thought perhaps today the grocery store was closed and we of course, needed groceries. I contacted a friend and she notified me that yes, stores are open regular hours but someone in the area must've passed away recently.
I told my friend well, there are several buildings in the area and we all share this flag pole...so I have no idea who it may have been but wow this was so interesting!
So the deal is, whenever someone passes away, someone in the area (a family member or close friend) goes out and puts the flag up only half way.
Now, that's what "respect" is all about.
**PM Harper is currently being investigated for contempt (aka not supporting Canada among some other nasty things) and his favourite word is "coalition". He's a Conservative and not many people like him as far as I know.**
Whenever you see a Finnish flag up in the air - it's usually a sign of a holiday or celebration. Now by celebration, I don't mean someone's Sweet 16th birthday, but a day to celebrate a particular artist or poet (etc) in Finland but the stores are not closed. Holidays are holidays and in my books - defined as a day to stay home and reflect, spend time with family, and in general nothing is open. The day before the holiday and after it as well, is always a pain in the neck at the grocery store!!
Now what happens if the flag is raised but only half-way? In Canada, that typically meant Remembrance Day, Battle of the Atlantic - remembering soldiers /Military service (wo)men who have died while in the line of duty.
For awhile, The Chronicle Herald, Halifax's daily newspaper had a small photo near the heading with the Canadian flag raised at half mast whenever a soldier died overseas (particularly in Afghanistan). Well, on Parliament Hill, that rang true as well - they'd lower the flag and it would be out of respect for the soldier(s) who have lost their lives (many of them are quite young as well) trying to protect others.
For some reason, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, decided it was too depressing and too much of a reminder to Canadians, that yes, we're constantly sending troops overseas and yes, they're dying left-right and center. It's a shame and highlights the fact that HE is not the one on the receiving end of a death in the family who was proud of their country to serve overseas. So why bother raising a flag? The Chronicle Herald (and I'm sure other newspapers) continued to print the flag at half mast when a soldier died - and I am grateful there is some sort of recognition for those that are brave enough to put their life at risk for others to live.
And furthermore, why wouldn't a PM be interested in showing his support & sympathy?
Oh right, because he's the one sending the troops over.
Well, in Finland - the flag is at half mast - not necessarily for soldiers or politicians or "super important people". A couple weeks ago, I noticed the flag was at half mast and I was worried because I thought perhaps today the grocery store was closed and we of course, needed groceries. I contacted a friend and she notified me that yes, stores are open regular hours but someone in the area must've passed away recently.
I told my friend well, there are several buildings in the area and we all share this flag pole...so I have no idea who it may have been but wow this was so interesting!
So the deal is, whenever someone passes away, someone in the area (a family member or close friend) goes out and puts the flag up only half way.
Now, that's what "respect" is all about.
**PM Harper is currently being investigated for contempt (aka not supporting Canada among some other nasty things) and his favourite word is "coalition". He's a Conservative and not many people like him as far as I know.**
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